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AMANDA

by several names in a book where identity is fluid and characters enjoy sexual role\u002Dplay—have not seen each other since Marion left England the year before. Now she has returned and begun a temporary job as a governess. Outwardly competent, she carries on a disturbing internal dialogue about her past—a girlhood in Ireland that ended in abusive sex and violence, her escape to a new identity in Oxford, the ecstasy of her love affair with Jamie—along with her current guilt, regret, and fear of mental illness. The reader is uncertain just how damaged Marion is when Jamie’s narrative takes over. He too is clearly competent in his professional life. The boarding school that was central to Cross’ first and second novels, Wilberforce (2015) and Grievous (2019), plays an ancillary role here\u003B while engrossing, Jamie’s efforts to solve the school’s problems take a backseat to his emotional turmoil. Bedeviled by various forms of guilt about his past, especially during the war, he struggles to connect with his ailing Anglican Bishop father, whom Jamie assumes disapproves of him. Above all, he is baffled by why Marion disappeared from his life and is obsessed with finding her. His optimism about their possible future together initially seems in sharp contrast to her resistance. Is he delusional too? Gradually, though, the separate dark stories of their emotional crises evolve into a love story that verges on romantic comedy, complete with miscues, disguises, and the bishop’s manipulations. Along the way, Cross tackles such small issues as faith, the Easter Rebellion, and British classism. The elliptical style isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. That Cross’ voice—some combination of Edna O’Brien, Muriel Spark, and maybe a pinch of Jane Austen—comes from a contemporary American writer is hard to believe."

Book Details

Publisher:Wilberforce
Published:2015-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9798889661

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This compelling coming-of-age novel follows a young woman navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, family dynamics, and self-discovery in a story that will resonate deeply with teen readers. T...

Our Review

This compelling coming-of-age novel follows a young woman navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, family dynamics, and self-discovery in a story that will resonate deeply with teen readers. The narrative captures the authentic voice of contemporary youth while tackling meaningful themes of identity, friendship, and personal growth that young adult audiences crave. Amanda's journey through emotional challenges and pivotal life moments creates an immersive reading experience that feels both genuine and compelling. The author skillfully balances heartfelt moments with realistic dialogue that mirrors how today's teenagers actually communicate and process their experiences.

What sets this young adult fiction apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the protagonist's internal landscape, making it particularly valuable for readers facing similar transitional periods in their own lives. The story's emotional depth and character development provide meaningful insights without ever feeling didactic or preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about Amanda's choices and growth. Teenagers will appreciate the honest portrayal of modern adolescent struggles, while parents and educators will value the thoughtful handling of sensitive topics relevant to today's youth. This powerful narrative leaves a lasting impression about resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself during challenging times.

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